Why do dogs scratch their bed?

Short answer: Dogs scratch their bed to “set it up” before lying down. It’s a normal mix of nesting instinct, comfort, scent-marking, and habit. It becomes a problem only when it’s obsessive, destructive, or paired with signs of pain, itchiness, or anxiety.

If your dog scratches for 5 to 30 seconds then settles, relax. That’s normal.

Is bed scratching normal or a sign something’s wrong?

Most of the time it’s normal. Worry when you see any of these:

• Scratching escalates daily or happens for minutes at a time

• Your dog can’t settle after scratching

• Chewing, ripping, or frantic digging starts suddenly

• Limping, stiffness, yelping, or trouble getting up

• Constant licking, hair loss, red skin, fleas, ear irritation

• New clinginess, pacing, whining, or panic when you leave

If you’re seeing pain signals or intense itch, call your vet.

Why do dogs scratch their bed before lying down?

1) “Can I make this spot perfect?”

Dogs have a nesting routine: scratch, paw, circle, flop. In the wild, canids scratch the ground to clear debris and make a spot more comfortable. Indoors, the bed replaces the ground, so the habit stays.

2) “This is mine”

Dogs can leave scent from their paws and skin as they scratch and rub. This can increase in multi-pet homes, new homes, or after big routine changes.

3) “I’m trying to get comfortable temperature-wise”

Scratching and digging can be an attempt to find a cooler or warmer “layer.” Indoors, it’s more about rearranging fabric and filling to feel right.

4) “I’m self-soothing”

Some dogs scratch more when they’re bored, overstimulated, or mildly anxious. It can be a settling ritual.

Quick quiz: which bed type will your dog actually prefer?

Answer these 4 fast questions. Then click your result.

1) After scratching, your dog usually…
A) Curls into a tight ball
B) Stretches out like they pay rent

2) Your dog’s default sleep position is…
A) Curled up, nose tucked, wants edges
B) Side or belly, legs extended, changes spots

3) Your dog is…
A) Young to adult, no obvious stiffness
B) Older, stiff in the morning, slow to get up, or sensitive joints

4) At night your dog tends to…
A) Settle better with “boundaries” (bolsters, corners, den feeling)
B) Wants open space and cooler airflow

Results (click yours)

• Mostly B’s in Q1 or Q2 (stretchers and sprawlers): your dog needs room to fully extend.
  Show me the stretch-out rectangular beds (sprawl approved)

• Mostly A’s in Q1 or Q2, or A in Q4 (curlers, nesters, anxious sleepers): your dog wants a secure, calming edge.
  Show me round beds with bolsters for that calming ‘nest’ feel'

• If you picked B in Q3 (older dog or joint sensitivity): support matters more than shape. Start orthopedic.
  Take me to orthopedic beds for older dogs and sensitive joints

When is bed scratching caused by anxiety or stress?

If scratching ramps up when you leave, guests arrive, noise increases, or routines change, it’s likely emotional, not “bed quality.” A better bed can help, but it won’t fix separation anxiety by itself.

See the cozy calming bolster beds anxious dogs actually choose

Could my dog be scratching because the bed is uncomfortable?

Yes. A lot of “behavior problems” are just bad gear.

Common bed issues that trigger extra scratching:

• Bed is too small to turn or stretch

• Fill is lumpy or collapsed, so they keep “fixing” it

• Cover traps heat or feels slippery

• Bed slides around

• Odor buildup makes your dog avoid settling

If your bed is flat, lumpy, or sliding… these are the upgrades dogs notice fast

How do I stop my dog from scratching the bed so much?

You don’t need to stop normal pre-sleep scratching. You need to reduce the excessive version.

• Rule out medical causes if there’s itching, redness, pain, or a sudden change.

• Add a throw blanket on top so your dog can “nest” without shredding the bed.

• Burn off boredom with sniff walks, short training, and enrichment.

• Match the bed to sleep style so your dog stops trying to “fix” it every night.

Read more about Round vs rectangular beds: pick the shape your dog is begging for

How do I keep the bed clean if my dog scratches it constantly?

Scratching kicks up hair, dander, and dirt, and that builds odor fast. Use a real cleaning routine.

Stop guessing: the right way to wash a dog bed without ruining it

If your current bed can’t be cleaned properly, it’s not premium. It’s a future stink problem.

Quick checklist for dog owners

Normal when:

• it’s brief

• your dog settles right after

• there are no itch or pain signs

Not normal when:

• it’s intense or new

• your dog can’t settle

• there’s skin irritation, limping, or panic behavior

Want one bed that looks good and actually holds up? Start here

If you are still not sure, watch this expert video:

Blog cover photo from Lords and Labradors!